K'taka HC bail to actor Darshan 'perverse' use of discretionary powers: SC

TERMING the Karnataka High Court order granting bail to Kannada actor Darshan Thoogudeepa and six others in the Renukaswamy murder case a "perverse exercise" of discretionary power, the Supreme Court on Thursday reserved its decision on the appeal filed by the State seeking cancellation of their bail.

- Suchitra Kalyan Mohanty @ New Delhi

"This is the perverse exercise of discretionary powers in grant of bail to accused," remarked, a two-judge bench of the top court, headed by Justice J B Pardiwala and Justice R Mahadevan.

The top court, before reserving the verdict heard submissions of senior advocates Siddhath Luthra, appearing for the State, and Siddharth Dave and others, representing the accused in the case.

Questioning the high court for granting bail in such a manner, the top court observed, "Has the high court applied its mind judicially?"